PalmPay seeks safer, interconnected payment ecosystem across Africa
PalmPay Nigeria has called for increased investment in interoperable payment infrastructure to strengthen regional economic integration and support Africa’s next phase of economic growth.
The fintech company made the call at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum (AEMF 2026), held from July 29 to 30 in Abuja.
Speaking during the forum, PalmPay Nigeria’s Managing Director, Chika Nwosu, said Africa needed to move beyond financial inclusion towards greater financial integration by connecting markets through efficient payment systems.
“The opportunity is no longer just connecting more people to financial services. It is connecting African markets through financial services. True regional integration means making it easier for businesses to pay suppliers, receive payments, and grow across borders with confidence,” Nwosu said.
He said reliable payment infrastructure and stronger cybersecurity were essential to building confidence in digital finance as African economies became increasingly interconnected. He added that PalmPay remained committed to consumer education, industry partnerships and investments in security.
The forum brought together policymakers, regulators, development institutions and private-sector leaders to discuss regional collaboration, digital innovation and coordinated financial systems. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso urged African countries to move beyond consuming technology and focus on developing solutions tailored to the continent’s needs.
Cardoso also stressed the importance of expanding women’s participation in the economy. PalmPay said it supported more than 3,000 women entrepreneurs in Kano and Kaduna in 2025 through digital banking tools and capacity-building initiatives, while expanding financial services to small businesses and underserved communities.
During a fireside discussion, World Trade Organization Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, also urged African leaders to focus on implementing regional agreements, strengthening integration and creating conditions capable of attracting domestic investment. PalmPay said it would continue working with regulators, financial institutions and other partners to build a more connected, secure and inclusive digital economy.
